John Allen Corbett, Jr.

John Allen Corbett, Jr. March 20, 1959 – March 28, 2017   John Allen “Johnny” Corbett Jr, 58, of Sims, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 28th, 2017. The younger of two children, he was born March 20, 1959, in Wilson, the son of the late John Allen Corbett Sr. and the late Sadie Coleman Corbett of Rock Ridge. His funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Milbournie FWB Church, Wilson. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The Rev. Walt Tyndall and the Rev. Dr. Billy Toler will officiate. The family will receive friends 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson and other times at the home. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Jackie Elks Corbett, whom he married on May 12, 2001. He attended college on a baseball scholarship at UNC Pembroke, class of 1981.  He worked in land acquisition for over 30 years with the Department of Transportation, PBS&J, and later founded his own company, JAC Land Acquisitions in 1999.  Johnny was competitive and passionate about sports, including his favorite hobby, softball, where he won three USSSA World Tournaments. He also was a lifelong N.C. State Wolfpack and Boston Red Sox fan.  In the early 90’s he played an integral role in founding the Rock Ridge Youth Athletic Association.  In 2005, Johnny rededicated his life to the Lord and began a journey of discipleship and servanthood that started at Milbournie Free Will Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Men’s League President. In addition, he founded the Pathfinders Ministry and helped start the Upward program at his church.   Johnny enjoyed traveling with his wife and family as well as spending time with his family pets.  If he had more time here on this earth, Johnny would spend it encouraging those who have struggled with life’s trials and sharing the Gospel in generous measure. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Elks Corbett of Sims; son, John Allen Corbett III (Lindsay Stone Corbett) of Middlesex; daughter, Caitlyn Barnes Corbett (fiancé Beau Randolph White) of Rock Ridge; step-sons, Michael Brandon Fulghum (fiancé Chelsea Marie Larson) of Rock Ridge, step-son, Matthew Justin Fulghum (Brittany Wooten Fulghum) of Wilson; sister, Yvonne Corbett McLamb (Dr. Samuel B. McLamb) of Pikeville; grandchildren, Hudson Jude Corbett and Charlotte Rose Corbett both of Middlesex. He is also survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends. Flowers are welcomed or memorials may be directed to Upward Sports Ministries, c/o Milbournie FWB Church, 5106 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson, NC 27896. Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.